fantasy art and tree chatter of aquariann

EDIT: Giveaway is officially over. Congratulations to Stephanie La Plante for submitting the randomly-chosen 58th entry. Kimberly will be emailing you soon to claim your prize. I wouldn't recommend chasing real rainbows in this blasted arctic weather. But how about nail art designs that are available in a stunning spectrum of color? To celebrate St. Patrick's Day (and warmer temperatures returning), Jamberry consultant , Kimberly of Kiss My Tips, is giving one lucky lady a $25 Jamberry Nails gift card. That's enough greenbacks to pick at least one nail wraps sheet out of over 350 vibrant options. Like Kimberly, I used to be a girl who rarely did her nails because after all the mess and effort, polish would chip the same day it was applied! That changed after she introduced me to the durability of Jamberry nail shields, just like she's telling my readers now: "Jamberry wraps last up to two weeks on hands and they've held up to my crazy crafting and adventur...

EDIT: Giveaway is officially over. Congratulations to Sheluth Nur for submitting the randomly-chosen 614th entry. Are you counting the days until Christmas ... or the release of the third Hobbit movie, The Battle of the Five Armies? As a twist on J. R. R. Tolkien's famous quote from The Lord of the Rings books, not all those who wander to this giveaway will lose - one will win leather jewelry! Michelle Verbeeck is giving away a $35 gift card to celebrate the holidays. I won a lavender glitter cuff bracelet from Michelle V's custom leather jewelry Etsy shop back in May 2013 and still get compliments when wearing it. The thick band fits perfectly, which just doesn't happen when buying mass-produced bracelets! Every listing by Michelle V is made to order using the customer's wrist size measurement. Michelle enjoys making custom orders - the personal thoughts and quotes her customers pick for her to hand stamp are special. Their joy at planning a piece of jewelry that...

EDIT: Giveaway is officially over. Congratulations to Mai Tran for submitting the randomly-chosen 182nd entry. I am totally an '80s child. At age 5, my parents took me to my first concert to see The Bangles. They were my favorite band (unless you count Jem and the Holograms) through grade school. And yes, I still belt out their hit songs at the top of my lungs when I hear them on the radio. I also still have several bangle bracelets from that decade, as does Vandana from Vintage Vandu . I'm not ready to part with mine, but she's offering one lucky lady a $10 gift card to take her pick. Vandana's bangle bracelets collection rocks. The vintage bangles sets come in several colors, widths and designs. Or if you don't wear bracelets, browse other handpicked vintage finds from her global Indian closet. Beautiful embroidered silk sarees, salwar suits, linens and table decor might make your heart sing. <a href="http://blog.aquariann.com/2014/09/gift-card-g...

EDIT: Giveaway is officially over. Congratulations to Samantha Port for submitting the randomly-chosen 480th entry. Soon snow will blanket many lands in beauty. If your dreams of a white Christmas rarely come true in your climate, your luck could change this holiday season. Life is the Bubbles is gifting a $35 gift card to one winner. That's enough to buy the snowflake bottle necklace above AND a pair of magical snowballs earrings . Or if you've had enough of the cold weather already, choose jewelry inspired by Disney movies that are told in a warmer part of the globe. From an Arabian Nights necklace to a Pirates of the Caribbean charm bracelet, there's plenty of designs to help you think hotter than hot thoughts this winter. <a href="http://blog.aquariann.com/2013/11/jewelry-giveaway-magic-snowflake-necklace.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i532.photobucket.com/albums/ee329/aquariann/blog/giveaways/125x125-lifeisthebubbles3...

EDIT: Giveaway is officially over. Congratulations to Eugenie Wu for submitting the randomly-chosen 634th entry. I've had enough of the October rain, but at least it grew some magnificent mushrooms. If you're lucky, a ceramic mushroom could pop up in your home for free. Ildi of Ceraminic is giving away a $25 gift card to her pottery shop to one winner. The adorable spoon rest above is just one of dozens of decorative plates available. She sculpts them in a variety of cute shapes, including fish, flowers and fruits. You may remember Ildi from the jewelry giveaway I hosted for her other shop, Lemone Rouge , which features just her shiny stud earrings. If you had a hard time picking your favorite handmade piece then, just wait until you see her ceramic rings and necklaces! Not to mention her whimsical ornaments that can brighten your walls year-round or deck the halls for holidays. <a href="http://blog.aquariann.com/2013/10/ceramic-plate-giveaway-gift-card.html...

EDIT: Giveaway is officially over. Congratulations to Nathalie Brault for submitting the randomly chosen 212th entry. Soon the trees will be brightening up their wardrobe, so why not add some color to yours? One of you will even win a $25 gift card to Beadfreaky to accessorize your fall fashions for free. Christine crafts clay beads and buttons in a variety of beautiful designs. The autumn Tree of Life button set above is just one example of her original art. Goddesses, owls and other cool creature images are available in her primitive style. If you're not a jewelry artist or seamstress, don't let those tears fall like leaves yet. Christine also makes her own ceramic post earrings and pendants. Each pretty piece is handmade in her home ceramic studio. She uses her own original and hand carved pressmolds, which means that every creation is unique. <a href="http://blog.aquariann.com/2013/09/primitive-jewelry-giveaway-gift-card.html" target="_blank...

EDIT: Giveaway is officially over. Congratulations to Damla for submitting the randomly chosen 287th entry. Don't cry about fall weather chasing away summer flowers - mums will bloom brightly soon enough! And depending which way the wind blows, you could win a $25 gift card to WXdruid Chainmail this autumn. Choose one of Jennifer's scale flower hair clips like the orange and red hair accessory above, and you can wear it any season you wish without it wilting. Two flower sizes, as well as a butterfly shape version, are available in several different color combinations. Or if traditional chainmaille jewelry is more your climate, her Etsy shop has pages upon pages of jump ring bracelets and necklaces. Speaking of weather, Jennifer is also a meteorologist! She chose her shop name because WX is an abbreviation for weather and the druids in Dungeons and Dragons cast the best weather spells. Isn't that cool? <a href="http://blog.aquariann.com/2013/08/chainmail-je...

EDIT: Jewelry giveaway is officially over. Congratulations to Ellie Wright for submitting the randomly chosen 706th entry. Are you still reeling from Shark Week? Swim your way to the top of the food chain and you could be the winner of a $25 gift card to Designs by Tamiza ! Her Etsy shop is more colorful than a tropical reef. She has pages upon pages of beautiful beaded jewelry to explore. I was ensnared by her lampwork bead necklaces, especially the plum purple pendant above. The shiny silver foil accents remind me of exotic fish flesh. Plus, once you've caught one of her pretty pieces, you don't have to worry about it coming unhooked. All of Tamiza's necklaces and bracelets are clasp-free. <a href="http://blog.aquariann.com/2013/08/beaded-jewelry-giveaway-necklace-lampwork.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i532.photobucket.com/albums/ee329/aquariann/blog/giveaways/125x125-tzteja.jpg" alt="Jewelry Giveaway" bo...

EDIT: Giveaway is officially over. Congratulations to Mona for submitting the randomly chosen 39th entry. Is winning free jewelry in your future? I don't have to be a fortune-teller to perceive one of your accessory wardrobes will be wealthier soon. That's because Tayci of Occult Happenings is giving away a $25 gift card to her Etsy shop. She carries a variety of natural shell and gemstone jewelry, such as the beautiful blue shell earrings above. Or if you really do want to know your future, Tayci offers tarot readings to help guide people on their path. She uses a Leonardo da Vinci deck to reveal strengths and weaknesses in career, relationship and other important life choices. Magick mojo bags are also available to attract love, luck or another positive energy into your world. <a href="http://blog.aquariann.com/2013/08/shell-jewelry-giveaway-win-free-tarot-readings.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i532.photobucket.com/albums/...

EDIT: Giveaway is officially over. Congratulations to Tina Ivanisevic for submitting the randomly chosen 879th entry. Books, flowers and pirates are a few of my favorite things ... and Kim of Peaches and Pebbles has combined all three into one paper rose necklace, upcycled from pages of Treasure Island . Stroll through her Etsy shop to see which of your favorite things she's crafted into jewelry and you just might win a $30 gift card to pick your own prize. Have a favorite animal? Adopt a glass jar necklace with a miniature pet inside. Or perhaps a favorite dessert? Feast your eyes on a chocolate donut ring or rainbow cake bookmark. She crafts the cutest things! In addition to being a jewelry artist and a caregiver for her mother who suffers from Multiple Sclerosis, Kim is also aspiring to be a published fantasy author. She writes about her hunt for a literary agent on her A Blackbird's Epiphany blog. Just imagine, someday crafters could be upcycling her wonderful words ...

EDIT: Giveaway is officially over. Congratulations to Lyudmila Sizova for submitting the randomly chosen 310th entry. The summer nights are sizzling, so it's time to pull out those little black dresses and go out on the town! One of you sexy ladies will even get to jazz up your night club outfit for free - Mary Ellen of Bunny Burrow Boutique is giving away a $25 gift card to spend on her handmade jewelry and vintage accessories. The elegant earrings above would be a smart choice. Not only am I entranced by the sparkly crackle texture inside the glass beads, but the leverback closures would keep them secure while dancing. Or if clubbing isn't your scene, Mary Ellen also offers plenty of cute jewelry for everyday outfits. I'm still in awe of the variety of animal beads and rabbit charms she's incorporated into her designs. She has such adorable taste! Use the Rafflecopter below to enter to win jewelry giveaway before 11:59pm EST on July 30, 2013. Be sure to lea...

EDIT: Giveaway is officially over. Congratulations to Jennifer Reed for submitting the randomly chosen 851st entry. Everyone else wins runner-up prize of coupon code "FAIRYDEAL" to get 10% off at Dzign by Jamie during checkout before May 31, 2013. The weather has been a terrific temperature for leaving the windows open at night. I've been waking to birds chirping for mates and daydreaming that I'll get to see more baby birds grow up like the beautiful barn swallows from last year. You might spy a nest earlier than I do - Dzign by Jamie is giving away a $30 gift card to her jewelry shop. The winner could choose to give a home to the faux pearl egg and copper wire wrapped bird nest necklace above or another marvelous metal design. As you may remember from her giveaway I hosted last April, Jamie's jewelry makes the best Mother's Day gifts. She offers several hand stamped pieces that can be personalized with names, sayings and yes, even stick figures to ma...

EDIT: Giveaway is officially closed. Congratulations to Marjolein Kucmer for submitting the randomly chosen 293rd entry. I missed the moon earlier in the week - it felt like the rain clouds weren't ever going to part. But no matter the weather, the Luna Essence Etsy shop is always aglow. Jewelry artist Diana is even giving away a $25 gift card to spend on her celestial creations. The winner could choose from a myriad of gleaming pieces, including the golden bronzite beaded necklace choker above. Stargazing through her handmade store, it's no surprise that Diana is seeker of beauty. She became so intrigued by gemstones that she taught herself to craft jewelry a few years ago. Several of her designs include flower beads, so it also wasn't shocking to discover she used to be a floral designer until she became too ill to work 12-hour shifts. Fortunately, her health doesn't stop her from exploring and learning creative techniques to make unique jewelry and reclaimed ha...

EDIT: Giveaway is officially over. Congratulations to Danielle Lima for submitting the randomly chosen 944th entry. Old acquaintances and days of long ago should certainly not be forgotten! How will you be revering the past and rejoicing for the future? Mary Ellen of Bunny Burrow Boutique is celebrating the new year by giving away a $25 gift card to her Etsy shop. The winner could spend it on her handmade jewelry OR a piece of vintage jewelry like the costume pearl necklace above. Mary Ellen uses a variety of unique beads to make her charming jewelry. It's amazing how many diverse rabbit beads she finds! If you see a design you want, it's best to snatch it up before it hops away forever. You'll feel warm and fuzzy inside while doing so - she's offering 20% off if you use coupon code "AQUARIANNROCKS20" during checkout before February 28, 2013. <a href="http://blog.aquariann.com/2012/12/rabbit-jewelry-giveaway-gift-card.html" target="...

EDIT: Giveaway is officially over. Congratulations to Patrícia Dias for submitting the randomly chosen 191st entry. My hands are dry, my hair is staticy and it's not even officially winter yet! The above magic vial pendant by Izile's Oddities could combat the cold weather blues. The powerful ingredients include a good bit of genuine Emerald for life, health and the essential essence of our Earth; green Tourmaline for healing, strengthening and stimulating; and Peridot for regrowth, vitality and infusing fresh energy and life. The power-packing combo is blended together in a neutral oil base with leaves of Sage for longevity, wisdom and endurance. The "Vitality" vial is finished in Sterling Silver wire, sealed with a glued-in cork and hung on a brown cotton sliding cord. And if you win the $25 gift card Izile is giving away to one random reader, you could freely choose this pendant and carry the green of Earth with you until spring. The magic vial pendants are Iz...

EDIT: Giveaway is officially over. Congratulations to Nicole Choate for submitting the randomly chosen 833rd entry. You'll be the fairest of them all if you give your best friend a Snow White necklace from Life is the Bubbles . It's no fairytale - Brandy and Kathy are really letting me host another gift card giveaway for them. This time they've increased the prize amount to $30 so the winner has the option to pick a Disney accessory for herself AND a Christmas present for a loved one. Magical bottle necklaces aren't the only gift ideas available at Life is the Bubbles for $15 or less. A fantasy bookmark or miniature book charm ornament would put a spell on any bookworm. Earrings and key chains are always a popular choice for anyone. Design inspirations range from the Grandmother Willow tree in Pocahontas to the rolling boulder adventure in Indiana Jones - there's bound to be something for every fan! <a href="http://blog.aquariann.com/2012/10/jewel...